Dr. Edward Kaufman, M.D.
Medical DirectorNorthbound Treatment Services is proud to announce the addition of Edward Kaufman, M.D. to the clinical team. Dr. Kaufman assumed the role as NTS Medical Director in February 2012. The medical director position was created in response to the growth and expansion of NTS programs and the recent addition of sub-acute residential detoxification services. Dr. Kaufman’s appointment further indicates the Northbound commitment to quality care and marks another milestone in the realization of our strategic vision.Dr. Kaufman has been practicing psychiatry for over 40 years. He blends his knowledge of psychology, family systems and psychopharmacology to meet the client’s individual needs. He was a former president of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and Editor of the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Dr. Kaufman received his medical training at Jefferson University, USC and Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has authored 3 books, edited 5 more, and written over 200 articles and book chapters on family therapy, alcoholism, drug addiction, anxiety and depression. He was a full professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine, where he was the Director of Psychiatric Services, Residency and Medical Students Education and private alcohol/drug services.
With the addition of Dr. Kaufman NTS has further solidified its position as the area leader for comprehensive alcohol, drug, and dual-diagnosis treatment.

Kevin McCauley
Kevin McCauley is a graduate of the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Drexel School of Medicine. After completion of medical school, he joined the Navy and became a Naval Flight Surgeon. After earning his wings at Pensacola, Florida he was assigned to a Marine helicopter squadron and was later transferred to Marine F/A-18 Hornet squadron. While working as a flight surgeon he specialized in the treatment of pilots with alcohol and drug problems. As a physician, he advocates strongly for the rights of addicts as patients. In 2009 Kevin McCauley created his award winning video essay, “Pleasure Unwoven: a personal journey about addiction”. In his DVD McCauley provides a clear presentation on the disease of addiction, which helps people in recovery to feel understood and instills hope and understanding in those affected by the disease. Kevin McCauley now lives in Utah where he is the co-director of a ten-bed recovery management program and a graduate student at the University Of Utah School Of Public Health.

Sally Barbella RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerSally Barbella provides a wealth of professional substance abuse treatment experience to Northbound Treatment Services. Prior to working at Northbound, Ms. Barbella demonstrated her expertise in addiction treatment as both Clinical Director and Executive Director at Pacific Hills Treatment Center in Southern California. Sally completed her Bachelor’s degree in 1984 at Columbia University in New York City where she developed a passion for working in challenging and fast paced clinical environment like the emergency room. In 2003, Sally received her Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. A few years later, in 2007, Ms. Barbella completed her post-graduate studies specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Cal State, Long Beach. Although Ms. Barbella has treated many families and individuals over the span of her career, her dedication and commitment exists primarily in the field of addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. Her greatest passion is her two beautiful daughters, Clare and Grace who currently reside with her in South Orange County.

Dr. Mandy Neeble
Clinical DirectorDr. Mandy Neeble is a hands-on leader, often interacting with clients during the course of treatment, taking personal satisfaction in hearing about their progress. As Clinical Director, Mandy draws upon her extensive background as a therapist, providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling, and developmental testing. Mandy’s unique background also includes a strong forensic basis having worked at Twin Towers County Jail in Los Angeles, Chino State Prison, and California Youth Authority. Mandy worked with the severely mentally ill, violent offenders, and the incompetent to stand trial program. In addition, Mandy has worked closely with the Los Angeles and Orange county court systems, providing diagnostic testing for defendants. She specializes in substance-abuse, dual-diagnosis clients (specifically those who suffer from bi-polar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and/or anxiety disorders while also qualifying for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence and/or a specific drug of choice or poly-substance abuse). Mandy also specializes in juvenile delinquency, suicide grief, gay/lesbian issues, and marriage and family counseling. Prior to joining Northbound, Mandy worked as a staff psychologist for a dual-diagnosis drug/alcohol rehab, and was previously with GLASS Family Preservation (Gay Lesbian Adolescent Social Services) in partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services. She received a degree in Psychology at Chapman University and completed her graduate work, a doctorate of clinical psychology (Psy.D.) with a concentration in forensics, at Argosy University, an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Rick McGuire BA, CADC II
LINKS Program DirectorRick McGuire’s abilities and personal recovery allow him to connect with clients on a deeper level and work through their core issues. Rick has been in recovery for more than 25 years and has worked with all ages ranging from adolescence to adults. He has experience with dual diagnosis, family dynamics as well as strong spiritual coaching. Rick is very active in his church and believes that through spiritual principles anything is possible. He believes that he was saved by grace and lives by grace one day at a time.
Rick graduated from InterCoast College with a 4.0 GPA and has been working in the field of addiction for five years. Rick earned California Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification, and he has a strong 12-step philosophy.

Gina M. Rigoli, B.S.
Detox Program ManagerWith more than six years of experience working in the field of addiction, Gina brings her degree in Human Services and Mental Health, and her hands-on community approach to the doors of Northbound Treatment Services. A Southern California native, Gina has worked in a variety of residential and detoxification treatment centers, mentoring addicts in their quest to acquire a rewarding and sustaining life.Gina has experienced the life shattering effects of addiction from both sides, and understands what the addict and family members are going through. Recoveryhas given her a life of purpose, integrity and honor.Her passion is working in the initial phase of treatment, known as detox. Gina believes that detox is the most vulnerable stage of the recovering process and strives for her clients to gain insight in knowing that “using drugs and alcohol are only symptoms of the problem”.

Gina’s strengths are in nurturing and guiding others with her love, hope, and kindness into finding their path to recovery. Gina understands how difficult it is to come to terms with chemical dependency and other addictive disorders and is committed in her efforts to help our clients gain knowledge of this disease.

Melody Stone, MS, MFTI
TherapistMelody has been working in the field of chemical dependency and dual diagnosis since 2005. She provides group and individual therapy in which she integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, psychodynamic and psycho educational therapy. Melody also has experience working in the field of domestic violence and with at-risk youth and crisis intervention.After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia University, Melody later earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Vanguard University.

Christopher M. Williams, MA, LMFT
LINKS TherapistChris Williams has extensive work experience with a variety of clientele and diagnoses. Chris loves the process of leading people to the life that they have hoped for but didn’t know was possible. As a therapist, he works with many individuals struggling with addictive issues, including drugs, alcohol and sexual compulsivity. He is EMDR trained and has extensive experience in treating individuals suffering from traumatic experiences. Chris is a Christian teacher, speaker and clinician. He is committed to lifelong growth to keep providing a high level of therapeutic services to the people with whom he is fortunate to work.He graduated Hope International University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has developed holistic Christian Spiritual Formation programs for college students at a Christian University. As a former pastor he brings a unique approach of integrating spirituality and mental health to treat the whole person. Chris is also an adjunct professor at Hope International University where he teaches Research Method and Designs, and Statistics for Social Sciences among other classes.

Tricia Shelton BA, MA MFTI
TherapistTricia Shelton possesses a keen cultural awareness, which led her to study abroad in India and Mexico on immersion programs. She also trained/interned locally in Southern California with children, college students, and families. She is a teacher, a runner, a philanthropist, enjoys yoga, and loves traveling around the world. Tricia is guided by a Narrative approach to therapy and believes that the therapeutic relationship is of first and foremost importance in her practice. Spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, strength-based exercises, experiential and Gestalt theories are her other areas of interest and experience.
Tricia comes to Northbound with a BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from CSPP. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and psychology license. After graduating from CSULB she worked in marketing and advertising. Ultimately, she decided to dive further into a psychology education with an emphasis on relationships and family. Tricia’s graduate work rewarded her with scholarships (Best in Class, Trustees Awards, Community Service) and an opportunity to expand her philanthropic efforts, such as running the Rock n Roll Marathon to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raising funds for Corazon de Vida, helping orphans of Mexico.

Sean Seeley, MA, MFTI
TherapistSean brings to Northbound a passion for integrating both Eastern and Western psychologies, allowing clients to stabilize their immediate crisis while working toward their true authentic self. As a therapist, his passion is helping clients from a holistic perspective, which includes spiritual counseling, mindfulness, somatic psychology, meditation, and interpersonal neurobiology.Focusing on issues of diversity, Sean has previously held the position of primary therapist at a local treatment center, where he worked primarily with clients suffering from co-occurring disorders, he also worked as a therapist at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Greater Long Beach. During his years studying to become a therapist, Sean focused on becoming a multiculturally competent therapist with an emphasis on minority oppression. Sean holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and obtained his Masters in Psychology from Argosy University.Sean thoroughly enjoys traveling around the world to new countries, spending time with his friends and family, and loves hanging out at the beach.

Jonathan Sklar, MA, MFTI
Case Manager/TherapistIn the dual role of Case Manager/Therapist, Jonathan Sklar is actively engaged on the frontlines of recovery. He has worked in various capacities in recovery, and also in the aerospace industry as a buyer, but he particularly enjoys the role of case manager/therapist within the rehabilitation field. Working in this capacity allows for the implementation of everything from transdisciplinary skills to the simple mentoring of clients. Jonathan specializes in conducting group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. This is where he gets to watch clients’ lives change. “I get to experience that on a daily basis and it’s an amazing feeling,” he says. “I think just having someone hear you for an hour can do wonders.”In his free time he likes hiking, and working on cars and motorcycles. He sees treatment growing and changing in the future with the advances in neuropsychology and brain research. Jonathan graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a major in Human Services. He went on to complete his Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Trisha Buenzli, BA, CADC II
Case Manager – The AcademyTrisha’s personal experiences in recovery have played a significant role in her choice of professional pursuits with working with young people. Trisha’s experiences, passion, commitment — and knowledge of alcoholism and drug abuse — play a big part in guiding and educating the students in the Academy.Trisha received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a Family Studies minor at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Trisha is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. She is currently working towards her Masters in Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Kellie Berry, AA, CADC
LINKs Case ManagerKellie Berry is a Case Manager in the Links Program at Northbound. Kellie brings a passion and commitment to treatment based on her desire to see transformation happening in the lives of clients. She likes to see positive change come to those whose lives and relationships have been damaged by addiction. Kellie gets energy from helping these individuals reframe their experiences and integrate the tools of the 12 steps so that they are restored physically, emotionally and spiritually. Kellie comes from a staff church position where she served in Soul Care and Recovery Ministries, as well as doing Life Care Counseling and serving as one of the Community Pastors. Kellie’s personal struggles and working through the brokenness of being an adult child of an alcoholic give her a perspective that helps her connect uniquely with her clients.She earned an AA in Human Services from Orange Coast College and attended the Institute of Addiction Counseling and Intervention, graduating as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Dusty Watson, RW 
Case Manager
The Academy
Facilitator, Cleanbeat Drum TherapyDusty Watson has been in recovery for more than 20 years. After a 35-year career as a professional touring drummer, his passion for recovery led him into the field of treatment. Dusty studied at the CAARR Institute and DLCAS where he completed his Drug and Alcohol Counseling coursework. Dusty is currently registered with CAS and CAADAC where he continues his studies. Along with his ability to share his personal experience with long-term recovery, Dusty facilitates drum therapy sessions for Northbound clients with his organization, Cleanbeat. Drum therapy promotes healing and self-expression. Cleanbeat offers participants the opportunity to find their voice and engage in another form of communication. Drumming is a form of listening and “talking” to others while collaborating with each other in a group setting. Each participant’s “voice” becomes an integral part of the circle, reestablishing one’s confidence and self-esteem.

Jason Wahler
Patient Advocate ServicesAs a “bad boy” on The Hills and playboy on Laguna Beach: The Real OC, Jason Wahler got a reputation for breaking hearts and starting fights. However, life has changed for the Laguna Beach vet as Jason celebrated his 1year of sobriety on July 23, 2011. After checking himself into Celebrity Rehab in 2010, Wahler then continued his successful recovery in the care of Northbound Treatment Services (NTS) in Costa Mesa, CA.Wahler debuted his acting talents on the hit MTV show Laguna Beach, back in 2005. A year later, he was co-starring with Laguna Beach alum Lauren Conrad on MTV’s The Hills. After a battle with addiction, Jason decided to get clean with the help from Dr. Drew Pinsky. Wahler also credits surfing as one of the activities that helped him stay sober. He says, “I just found the natural highs of life, which I didn’t have before. I’m really taking this seriously and going to any length I can to stay sober.” Wahler currently lives in Laguna Beach, CA working as a Client Advocate at NTS while pursuing his acting career.